DON-induced Changes in Bone Homeostasis in Mink Dams

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Animal Science
• Bone Biology

Background:

• Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin found in animal feed.
• Mink dams were exposed to DON during gestation and lactation.
• The study investigated DON's effects on mink long bone properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of DON exposure on the mechanical and geometric properties of mink long bones.
• To evaluate changes in bone tissue and mineral density in DON-exposed mink.
• To understand the relationship between DON, bone resorption, and bone strength.

Main Methods:

• Thirty multiparous mink dams were divided into control and DON-exposed groups.
• The DON group received feed naturally contaminated with 1.1 mg/kg DON.
• Femur properties were analyzed post-lactation.

Main Results:

• DON exposure did not affect body weight, femur weight, or length.
• Mechanical endurance of the femur was significantly reduced by DON.
• DON decreased femur wall thickness but increased cortical index and midshaft volume.
• Bone tissue density, mineral density, and mineral content remained unchanged.
• All investigated structural and material properties of the femur were decreased.

Conclusions:

• DON exposure likely increased endosteal resorption in mink femurs.
• Bone wall thinning and overall bone weakening were attributed to DON-induced resorption.
• The study highlights DON's detrimental effects on bone health in mink dams.